power steering to lite

[mnky30]

since i put power steering in my truck while driving it feels to soft is this normal, been thinking about putting old non power back in.

[steverino66]

With that giant diameter stock steering wheel, my truck wasn't hard to steer before switching over to power. My little Toyota takes more muscle in tight spots. Try a smaller custom wheel or enjoy steering with one finger.

[Tomsriv]

I had an aftermarket 13.5" wheel on my truck after power steering was installed. It had good resistance, but it just felt to small. I got a stock steering wheels from and early 90's truck, which is 15". It feels just right. FYI, the stock wheel is 17". My power steering is from a 70's chevy truck. What is yours off of?

[mnky30]

my power steering is off of a 80 3/4 ton truck as well is the steering wheel and the front end from end to end it just feels like it is to easy to turn while driving like you could easly lose control if you are not paying attention. i am going to try a smaller wheel and see if that helps.

[70 Suburban]

hmmm yeah I know what you mean.. I sometimes think my girl is way to hot and if I'm not payin her enough attention I might loose her too. but who's complaining.

[Captainfab]

I've experienced that with a truck I did the PS conversion to. It was much easier to turn than my Suburban.....one finger turning, and pretty much no road feel. The only thing I could think of is that the pump might be putting out a higher pressure. I didn't have any trouble driving it, nor did the owner.

[mnky30]

thanks for the info. is there a way to slow down the presure on the pump. i like the easy steering but it just seamed to easyto steer.

[TR65]

MNKY30,

The steering wheel torque required to turn the wheels with power steering is controlled by a "torsion bar" within the steering box. The steering wheel actually twists this hardened steel rod. How much it twists determines the amount of assist. The more the twist the more open the servo valve becomes and the more the pressure applied to the piston. The box has stops so that if the pump fails you can turn the wheels without breaking the rod.

The rods are set-up for the particular vehicle the box was made for. The 1980 3/4 ton was a heavier truck and probably needed more assist for the same road feel.

So to fix your problem you need a box with a stiffer rod.

Here is where I am just speculating but ... I would think that a half ton box would have a stiffer rod than your 3/4 ton box. But I wouldn't go changing it without getting confirmation from someone more knowledgable.

Good luck,

TR

[mnky30]

thanks for the info i will have to check that out.